on 28-Mar-2015 (Sat)

The first tennis club was founded in Leamington Spa in 1872.

Henry Purcell (1659–95) the composer was the organist at Westminster Abbey.

important composers include Gustav Holst (1874– 1934), whose work includes The Planets, a suite of pieces themed around the planets of the solar system.

George Frederick Handel also wrote an oratorio, Messiah, which is sung regularly by choirs, often at Easter time.

Sir Edward Elgar (1857–1934) was born in Worcester, England. His best-known work is probably the Pomp and Circumstance Marches. March No 1 (Land of Hope and Glory) is usually played at the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) wrote music for orchestras and choirs. He was strongly influenced by traditional English folk music.

Sir William Walton (1902–83) wrote a wide range of music, from film scores to opera. He wrote marches for the coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II but his best-known works are probably Façade, which became a ballet, and Belshazzar’s Feast, which is intended to be sung by a large choir.

There are many large venues that host music events throughout the year, such as: Wembley Stadium; The O2 in Greenwich, south-east London; and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) in Glasgow.

Famous festivals include Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight Festival and the V Festival.

The National Eisteddfod of Wales is an annual cultural festival which includes music, dance, art and original performances largely in Welsh. It includes a number of important competitions for Welsh poetry.

The Mercury Music Prize is awarded each September for the best album from the UK and Ireland.

The Brit Awards is an annual event that gives awards in a range of categories, such as best British group and best British solo artist.

More recently, Andrew Lloyd Webber has written the music for shows which have been popular throughout the world, including, in collaboration with Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, and also Cats and The Phantom of the Opera.

One of the traditional characters of the pantomime is the Dame, a woman played by a man.

The Turner Prize is recognised as one of the most prestigious visual art awards in Europe. Previous winners include Damien Hirst and Richard Wright